송예원 (서울대학교)

송예원 (서울대학교)

Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound widely used to treat insomnia. However, it is a prescription drug in Korea, making many consumers turn to over-the-counter commercial products marketed as “plant-based.” These products are reported as containing abundant plant-derived melatonin from sources like tart cherry and pistachio, and can be divided into two types: those listing high melatonin content(high-MT products) and those not specifying amounts(low-MT products).

We used LC-Orbitrap MS to analyze metabolic profiles of synthetic melatonin, raw plant materials, and commercial melatonin products. By comparing these profiles, we identified metabolites potentially linked to melatonin sources, revealing clear differences between plant sources and synthetic melatonin. High-MT products showed metabolic signatures nearly identical to synthetic melatonin, lacking the complex compounds found in genuine plant extracts. Isotope ratio analysis confirmed these results, with High-MT products showing ratios matching synthetic melatonin. We also identified an unknown byproduct previously reported in commercial melatonin products. This was detected only in synthetic melatonin and High-MT products, not in raw plant materials or Low-MT products.

Our results suggest that High-MT products, despite being marketed as plant-based, may contain synthetic melatonin. This highlights the need for rigorous verification of melatonin sources to ensure consumer safety.